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GOOGLE EARTH PROTEST CENTURY OF NEWS Anti-quarry campaign goes world-wide We delve into the Gazette’s archives es PAGE 2 Wednesday, 28 June, 2017
PAGE 20
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n Shock and grief as dedicated community builder dies…
Life of service By Bonny Burrows and Cam Lucadou-Wells People from all walks of life have been paying respects to long-serving Berwick and Casey councillor Mick Morland. Since his sudden death, an array of community groups - football clubs and leagues, SES, Guides, Scouts, Rotary, Neighbourhood Watch, environment and church groups - have expressed their grief and shock. All spoke warmly of the husband, father and grandfather and his support for their causes. He’d pushed for a library in Hampton Park, a new track for Casey Little Athletics, an aquatic centre in Narre Warren and the Bunjil Place complex. Casey Mayor Sam Aziz paid tribute to the “decades of dedication” from the seven-term councillor. “He was easy to work with, he had his heart in the right place and he was compassionate - these are rare qualities these days, unfortunately. “I’ve lost a dear friend, the community has lost a statesman.” Cr Aziz lamented how Mr Morland could have lost his life during such a “benign, pleasant activity” as taking his routine evening walk to manage his type-two diabetes. On that stroll, Mr Morland was fatally struck by a car on Princes Highway, near Wilson Botanic Park, on the evening of 24 June. Casey Council - which has lowered its flags to half-mast - will decide on a lasting tribute with Mr Morland’s family, Cr Aziz said. “He was devoted to his wife, Kay, his children and his grandchildren, and our thoughts are with them as they grieve.” He is the second longest serving Casey councillor, behind Wayne Smith, and stood as a Liberal candidate for State Parliament. Mayors Jim Memeti of Greater Dandenong and Brett Owen of Cardinia and a raft of politicians from several allegiances have paid tribute. State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy described Mr Morland as “an institution in Casey, a great bloke with a heart of gold”. “A long-time Liberal, he will be sorely missed,” Mr Guy said.
Mick Morland celebrates a thumping federal grant for Bunjil Place.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said he would be remembered for the so many things he delivered for the community he loved for decades. “All of the City of Casey will miss the man with that moustache,” he said. “Thanks Mick, you will be missed. When he received the Medal of the Order of Australia in January last year, he told the Gazette that all his years of service had made him realise how many people did not put their hands up to help the community. “I always believed that if you want to be involved in your community you have to put in the time and effort,” he said.
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I’ve lost a dear friend, the community has lost a statesman…
And that’s what he had been doing since he took on the presidency of a kindergarten in Narre Warren 30 years ago. A passionate Tigers supporter, he was an Upper Beaconsfield premiership player and reserves coach, president of Narre Warren Junior Football Club and one of its coaches of the decade. Rotary Club of Berwick President Mark Caulfield remembers his friend and fellow Rotarian as a generous man who gave his community his all.
Mayor Sam Aziz A “reliable and hardworking” member of Rotary for 23 years, Mr Morland knew how to crack a joke, but was also known for his strong work ethic and tireless efforts in helping grow the ageing club. Mr Morland served on many committees during his time at Rotary and held many positions, including a stint as president from 2012-’13. Mr Caulfield described him as the true definition of a Rotarian. “He served on many committees
during his time in Rotary - public relations, youth, membership, business dinner and golf day fundraisers to name a few,” Mr Caulfield said. While Mr Morland was sure to separate his council and Rotary commitments, Mr Caulfield said the link ensured he could assist the club to “do the maximum for the local community”. This included entering into partnerships that provided picnic tables and the Rotary Rotunda in Pioneers Park, a rotunda in Buchanan Park and ongoing work with the Casey North Community Information and Support Service, the Australia Day festivities at Pioneers Park and the Carols by Candlelight celebrations in Berwick, Mr Caulfield said.
Continued page 7
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